XF500 Conservation Paddle- Apalachicola River

Vero Beach waterman Justin Riney, founder of Mother Ocean and the XF500 expedition, recently completed one of five conservation paddles leading up to the Expedition 500 that will celebrate Ponce de Leon's arrival in Florida by bringing awareness to stewardship of the state's waterways.

Justin Riney of Vero Beach, founder of Mother Ocean and XF500, and Gabe Gray paddle along the Apalachicola River last week during the XF500 Conservation Paddle. PHOTO PROVIDED

The leading edge of a storm rolls in along the Apalachicola River last week after a paddling break during the XF500 Conservation Paddle. PHOTO PROVIDED

Gabe Gray paddles along the Apalachicola River last week during the XF500 Conservation Paddle. PHOTO PROVIDED

Cypress tree stumps provide an ominous and intriguing landscape at a spot known as Dead Lake along the Apalachicola River. PHOTO PROVIDED

Alligator track along the Apalachicola River last week during the XF500 Conservation Paddle. PHOTO PROVIDED

A clear water spring feeds into tannin and mud stained Apalachicola River in Florida's panhandle. PHOTO PROVIDED

Justin Riney of Vero Beach and Gabe Gray take a paddling break at a historical marker for Fort Gadsden along the Apalachicola River last week during the XF500 Conservation Paddle. PHOTO PROVIDED